"The violence of war is random. It does not make sense." (Hedges 134, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning).
How does Hedges get his point across?
In War is a Force that Gives us Meaning Chris Hedges attempts to both accurately portray war, while at the same time convince readers that war is wrong. From the very beginning of the book the author imposes the question "Why do humans begin war?" to the reader. He begins describing his life experiences as a war correspondent journalist for The New York Times (click http://query.nytimes.com to read some of Hedges' past articles) to establish his reliability in the so chaotic and foreboding subject of war. He says, "I have been in ambushes...shot at...imprisoned...captured...and beaten..." (Hedges 2-3, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning). As the novel progresses, Hedges offers his opinions on how all war begins as two conflicting groups kill to send a message attempting to defend their beliefs, whether those beliefs are religious or virtuous. "Where else... did the suicide hijackers learn that huge explosions and death above a city skyline are a peculiar form of communication?" (Hedges 8, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning) the author states while talking of the attacks on September 11th. Further on in the Hedges is able to keep the readers attention by using visualization through vivid description of personal sights experienced war interviews such as, "A blue blindfold was tightly wrapped around his skull and spent bullets were scattered among his now dark-brown bones." (Hedges 138, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning),wrote the author explaining the gruesome sight of a mother finding her long ago murdered son in the Iraqi desert. Not only does Hedges use words to create pictures in your mind by describing emotionally graphic sights so intensely, he also uses numbers to paint an astonishing as well as horrifying picture of war. "In the wars of the twentieth century not less than 62 million civilians have perished, nearly 20 million more than the 43 million military personnel killed." (Hedges 13, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning). As you near the end of War is a Force that Gives us Meaning Hedges explains the mental effects of war on himself as well as military personnel and civilians. He also attempts to explain how to avoid wars in the future.
Below is a clip of Chris Hedges being interviewed on his most recent book, "American Facists." I decided to include this clip about a different Chris Hedges book because it helps show Hedges' political, and moral views. It also connects to War is a Force that Gives us Meaning because it shows how some wars begin through the abuse of power of masses and conflicting ideas and beliefs.
Chris Hedges being interviewed on his new book "American Fascists" in which he argues of how some of the American Christian Right could be compared to Fascists in today's world.
"In wartime the state seeks to destroy its own culture." (Hedges 62, War is a Force that Gives us Meaning)
Would I recommend War is a Force that Gives us Meaning?
Even though this book was not a typical story, in the means its mostly a person giving his opinions, I found Chris Hedges War is a Force that Gives us Meaning an excellent and thought provoking novel. I would recommend this book to most readers since Chris Hedges does such a good job by balancing facts with his personal experiences and opinions. You should be warned however, this book is rather gory, and has pretty graphic descriptions in it (just in case you couldn't tell from the quotes).
Works cited:
Hedges, Chris. War is a Force that Gives us Meaning. qtd. in "War is a Force that Gives us Meaning." 2002 . Public Affairs.
War is a Force that Gives us Meaning
By: Chris Hedges
How does Hedges get his point across?
In War is a Force that Gives us Meaning Chris Hedges attempts to both accurately portray war, while at the same time convince readers that war is wrong. From the very beginning of the book the author imposes the question "Why do humans begin war?" to the reader. He begins describing his life experiences as a war correspondent journalist for The New York Times (click http://query.nytimes.com to read some of Hedges' past articles) to establish his reliability in the so chaotic and foreboding subject of war. He says, "I have been inBelow is a clip of Chris Hedges being interviewed on his most recent book, "American Facists." I decided to include this clip about a different Chris Hedges book because it helps show Hedges' political, and moral views. It also connects to War is a Force that Gives us Meaning because it shows how some wars begin through the abuse of power of masses and conflicting ideas and beliefs.
Chris Hedges being interviewed on his new book "American Fascists" in which he argues of how some of the American Christian Right could be compared to Fascists in today's world.
Would I recommend War is a Force that Gives us Meaning?
Even though this book was not a typical story, in the means its mostly a person giving his opinions, I found Chris Hedges War is a Force that Gives us Meaning an excellent and thought provoking novel. I would recommend this book to most readers since Chris Hedges does such a good job by balancing facts with his personal experiences and opinions. You should be warned however, this book is rather gory, and has pretty graphic descriptions in it (just in case you couldn't tell from the quotes).Works cited:
Hedges, Chris. War is a Force that Gives us Meaning. qtd. in "War is a Force that Gives us Meaning." 2002 . Public Affairs.
"Chris Hedges: "AMERICAN FASCISTS" The Christian Right vs USA" youtube.com 03 Nov. 2007.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thn9Hnu__pU>
"Chris Hedges NYT articles" nytimes.com 03 Nov. 2007.
<http://query.nytimes.com/search/query?query=Chris+Hedges>